Book: Start Something that Matters

After learning about Blake Mycoskie's TOMS company and 1-for-1 movement on Shark Tank, I was intrigued to learn more about his entrepreneurial story. His best seller book, 'Start Something that Matters', emphasizes the concept that can focus on earning a living, pursuing our passions, AND devoting ourselves to the causes that inspire us - all at the same time and starting right now.

During his trip to Argentina in 2006, Blake learnt that many children lacked shoes, which exposed them to multiple diseases and other hardships. Thus, he was inspired to start the 1-for-1 movement, where he gave children a pair of shoes for every pair purchased at TOMS. It strongly believes in making tomorrow better so that humanity thrives. Throughout the years, TOMS has given away 100 million pairs of shoes and developed with over 200 humanitarian organizations in 80 countries [1].

Blake provides practical advice from his heart and with optimism in discovering our core story, being resourceful without resources, overcoming fear and doubt and incorporating giving into every aspect of our life. Blake backs these topics with several examples of experiences from his own and other companies.

 As I turned each page of this book, the main thought that repeated itself in my heart was how I can be an effective social entrepreneur that truly makes positive impacts in this world while doing work that I love. I am genuinely inspired by Blake in knowing that I can start something that matters today!

REFERENCES

[1] https://www.toms.com/ca/about-toms.html